by Moe Zilla

Created on: May 27, 2010

"A long time ago,
there were three little pigs
with homes made of bricks
and of straw and of twigs."

It's a delightful children's book that rhymes - but did you know the Three Little Pigs also had a sister? The book retells the familiar story of how two pigs rushed for safety in the brick house of their brother. But then that clever fourth pig - named "Pig Four" - swings by for a fateful visit. And striking a blow for women's rights, she insists that the male pigs are all cowards for hiding inside.

"'Oh, pooh,' said Pig Four,
'There are no wolves in sight.'
'Yes there are!' said her brothers,
and they slammed the door tight."

It's a sunny little story that was obviously assembled with a lot of care.  (It's part of Houghton-Mifflin's Steck-Vaugh "Ready Set Read" series, so the last page of the book even suggests educational activities for parents.) For example, they suggest parents encourage the chilren to make a picture of their favorite character "or key concept from the book" - and to talk about their own ideas and feelings about the characters. It sounds like a lot of work, but it's accompanied by a story that really lends itself to some extra play.

"You can't spend your whole life
just sitting and shaking.
There are places to see
and things to be making."

The rhymes were written by Teresa Celsi, but the book's sunny tone also gets a lot of help from illustrator Doug Cushman. His colorful drawings fill the page with blue skies and green hills, creating a cozy little neighborhood for the cheerful and well-dressed little pigs. Their tidy little houses are drawn simply, since the story's real focus is the fear in their faces. Cushman draws six different locks on the door of the pigs' last brick house. And when their sister shows up - in a stylish cowboy hat - she finds the pigs hiding behind colorful furniture which is all a cheerful bright-yellow.

But there's another reason why this book makes a good educational tool. The story is ultimately very inspiring, with Pig Four urging the brothers to experience life itself. In fact, she's so upset by their hiding indoors, that she huffs and puffs and - yes - blows the house down herself! Her brothers realize there's no wolves outside - just some butterflies on a flowery hillside - and they rush out to enjoy the world.

"And as for their sister, the daring Pig Four,
She traveled. She knows there are worlds to explore.

If only you're willing to open the door..."

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